Non-spill container

ABSTRACT

A container has a cup-like lower body that receives liquid therein, the lower body having a bottom wall and an open upper mouth. The container also has an inverted cup-like upper body having a top wall and an open lower mouth, and an opening provided in the top wall. The upper body is removably connected to the lower body with the open mouths thereof in communication with each other to form an interior chamber. The container also includes a lid pivotably coupled to the top wall and covering the opening, and a stopper inserted through the opening.

RELATED CASES

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 09/696,986,entitled “Non-Spill Container”, filed Oct. 26, 2000, which is in turn acontinuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 09/562,609, entitled“Non-Spill Container”, filed May 1, 2000, whose disclosures areincorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to liquid containers, and inparticular, to a non-spill container.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Bubble producing toys and devices are very popular with children.A wide variety of such bubble producing toys are now available in themarket. Despite this widespread variety, the most basic form of a bubbleproducing toy is a wand that has a handle at one end and a loop at asecond end. The loop is dipped into a bubble solution (which is usuallysoap) so that a film of the bubble solution extends across the area ofthe loop. The child can then blow at the loop to create bubbles.

[0006] The use of this wand and its loop requires that the loop becontinuously dipped into the bubble solution to create more bubbles.Therefore, the container for the bubble solution must providesufficiently convenient access to the user for continuous dipping of thewand and its loop.

[0007] Another important characteristic that the bubble solutioncontainer must have is that it should guard against spills. Since mostbubble solution is made from soap, spills can be very messy. A number ofspill-proof or non-spill containers have been provided to guard againstspills of liquids stored therein. An example of a non-spill container isillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,975 to Patterson, which provides atop member that is releasably mounted to a bottom member. A tube extendsthrough an opening in the top member. The volume of the bottom member isprovided to be smaller than the volume of the top member so that theliquid contained in the bottom member is prevented from entering thetube when the container is tipped. Unfortunately, the container in U.S.Pat. No. 5,105,975 is not completely spill-proof, and leakage is stillpossible.

[0008] In light of the above, there still remains a need for a containerthat effectively prevents the liquid stored therein from being spilled,yet provides convenient access to the liquid stored therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide acontainer that effectively prevents the liquid stored therein from beingspilled.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide acontainer that provides convenient continuous access to the liquidstored therein.

[0011] The objects of the present invention may be achieved by providinga container having a cup-like lower body that receives liquid therein,and having a bottom wall and an open upper mouth. The container also hasan inverted cup-like upper body having a top wall and an open lowermouth, and an opening provided in the top wall. The upper body isremovably connected to the lower body with the open mouths thereof incommunication with each other to form an interior chamber. The containeralso includes a lid pivotably coupled to the top wall and covering theopening, and a stopper inserted through the opening.

[0012] Thus, the pivotable lid covers the opening, and retains thestopper securely in place so as to prevent liquid from exiting throughthe opening. The stopper can be easily and conveniently removed from theopening to allow the user with quick and convenient access to the liquidstored in the interior of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-spill container according toone embodiment of the present invention shown with the lid in the closedposition.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 shown withthe lid in the opened position.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 5A is an enlarged exploded view of the lid of the containerof FIGS. 1-4.

[0018]FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional view of the circled region inFIG. 5A.

[0019]FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of thecontainer of FIGS. 1-4 shown with the lid in the opened position.

[0020]FIG. 6B is a perspective sectional view of another embodiment ofthe upper portion of the container of FIGS. 1-4.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the container of FIGS. 1-4 with thelid opened.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the container of FIGS. 1-4 with thelid covering the opening.

[0023]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of one stopper that may be used withthe container of FIGS. 1-4.

[0024]FIG. 9B is a perspective view of another stopper that may be usedwith the container of FIGS. 1-4.

[0025]FIG. 9C is a perspective view of yet another stopper that may beused with the container of FIGS. 1-4.

[0026]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a non-spill container accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 10 shownwith the lid in the opened position.

[0028]FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the container of FIG.10.

[0029]FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG.10.

[0030]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of thecontainer of FIGS. 10-13.

[0031]FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 10 with thelid opened.

[0032]FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 10 with thelid covering the opening.

[0033]FIG. 17 is a perspective sectional view of another embodiment ofthe upper portion of the container of FIGS. 10-13.

[0034]FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view of yet another embodimentof the upper portion of the container of FIGS. 10-13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The following detailed description is of the best presentlycontemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. Thescope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0036] The present invention is applicable to all containers that holdor otherwise retain liquid. Such containers can be used to hold any typeof liquid, where the liquid needs to be dispensed using a wand, a tong,or other dispensing device. Thus, the container can be used to holdbubble solution for use with a bubble producing toy, or it can be usedto hold medicine, detergent or other liquids.

[0037] The present invention provides different embodiments of non-spillcontainers having an opening through which a stopper may be inserted. Apivotable lid is positioned over the opening to cover the opening, andto retain the stopper securely in place so as to prevent the liquid fromexiting through the opening. The stopper can be easily and convenientlyremoved from the opening to allow the user with quick and convenientaccess to the liquid stored in the interior of the container.

[0038] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a non-spill container 20according to the present invention. The container 20 has a lower body 22defining an interior chamber 24, and an upper body 26 that is removablyconnected to the lower body 22. The lower body 22 is cup-like in that itis generally cylindrical, has an open mouth and has a bottom wall 28.The top 30 of the lower body 22 has an upper annular flared rim 32having external threads 34, with the upper flared rim 32 defining theopen mouth.

[0039] The upper body 26 is also generally cylindrical with an invertedcup-like configuration, and has a lower annular flared rim 36 that hasinternal threads 38. The lower flared rim 36 has a slightly largerdiameter than the upper flared rim 32 so that the lower flared rim 32 ofthe lower body 22 can be received inside the upper flared rim 36 of theupper body 26. The top of the upper body 26 has a rounded surface 48,similar to a hemisphere. The upper body 26 also has a top wall 40 thatcan have either a generally concave or a V-shaped configuration, with anelongated opening 42 provided in the top wall 40. The V-shaped orconcave configuration of the top wall 40 has a first inclined surface(which can be curved) 44 and a second inclined surface (which can becurved) 46. The elongate opening 42 extends across both inclinedsurfaces 44 and 46, and as best shown in FIG. 4, is offset from thecenter of the upper body 26. The elongate opening 42 is adapted toreceive a stopper 50, as explained in greater detail below. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the elongate opening 42 has a Figure-8configuration, as best shown in FIG. 7. A raised ridge 45 is providedalong an upper extremity 47 of an inclined surface 44, and is adapted tosnap into an inner channel 49 provided at the rear-most end 51 of arounded top wall 58 of a lid 52, so as to secure the lid 52 in theclosed position. The upper extremity 53 of the other inclined surface 46acts as a stop surface for the front-most end 55 of the rounded top wall58 of the lid 52.

[0040] A lid 52 is pivotably secured to the upper body 26 and positionedabove the top wall 40 to cover the top wall 40 and the elongate opening42 (and its stopper 50, if inserted). The lid 52 has two side walls 54that are connected by the rounded top wall 58. Ridges or bumps 56 can beprovided on top of the rounded top wall 58 to facilitate gripping orpushing action by the user. Each side wall 54 has a rounded lower point60. Pivot points 62 can be provided on opposite sides of the upper body26 adjacent the top thereof. A small bearing point (not shown) isprovided between each pivot point 62 and the corresponding rounded lowerpoint 60 to allow the points 60 of the lid 52 to pivot about these pivotpoints 62 from a completely closed position, shown in FIG. 1, in whichthe lid 52 completely encloses the top wall 40 and the stopper 50, to acompletely opened position, shown in FIG. 2, in which the lid 52 is slidand seated over a portion of the rounded surface 48 to expose thestopper 50. When the lid 52 is in the closed position, the lid 52 can besnapped into locking engagement with the upper body 26 by snap-fittingthe ridge 45 into the channel 49 of the lid 52. The stop surface 53contacts the front-most end 55 of the rounded top wall 58 to define thelimit to which the lid 52 can be pivoted.

[0041] A tube or funnel 70 extends from the opening 42 in the top wall40 into the interior of the upper body 26. The tube 70 functions as aguide for the stopper 50. The tube 70 has an upper section 74 which hasa larger dimension than a lower section 76. The upper section 74 has aledge surface 78 that is adapted to engage or receive an extension 80 ofthe stopper 50. The upper section 74 and lower section 76 of the tube 70can have a generally Figure-8 cross-sectional configuration that isadapted to receive the generally Figure-8 cross-section of certainportions of the stopper 50. Even though the tube 70 is illustrated asbeing generally Figure-8 in cross-section, it is possible to provide thecross-section of the tube 70 in any desired configuration. For example,the cross-sectional configuration of the tube 70 can be Figure-8throughout the length of the tube 70 (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7).Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the cross-sectional configuration ofthe tube 70 can change, such as from a generally oval cross-section atthe top (see 70 a) adjacent the opening 42, and then graduallytransition into a Figure-8 cross-section (see 70 b) as the tube 70extends into the interior of the container 20. The tube 70 can alsoextend for any desired length into the interior of the container 20. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tube 70 can extend for a lengththat is about the same as the length of the upper body 26, so that thelowermost end 72 of the tube 70 extends to the region where the rims 32and 36 are located. Alternatively, the tube 70 can extend for a lengththat is less than the length of the upper body 26, or for a length thatis greater than the length of the upper body 26 so that the lowermostend 72 is positioned inside the interior chamber 24 of the lower body22.

[0042] The lower body 22 and the upper body 26 can be made from the samematerial, or from different materials. Possible materials for the lowerbody 22 and the upper body 26 can include plastic, acrylic, metal, glassor certain fabrics. The tube 70 can be molded or provided in one piecetogether with the upper body 26. The lid 52 can be made from a plasticor metal material, and then pivotably secured to the pivot points 62.

[0043] The stopper 50 as shown in FIGS. 1-7 is a bubble producing toy 50(also referred to herein as a “wand”), and is illustrated in greaterdetail in FIG. 9A. The wand 50 has a thin shaft 98 that is generallyrectangularly-shaped with a shallow groove 99 extending along the shaft98. A plurality of ring-like loops 82, 84 are provided at a first end ofthe shaft 98. Each loop 82, 84 has a serratted ring, such that ridges orbumps 86 are provided on the outer surfaces of the loop 82, 84. Theridges 86 function to hold the bubble solution against the loop 82, 84to form a solution film that is blown to form the bubbles. The loop 82,84 can have any desired shape, and any number of loops 82, 84 can beprovided. The groove 99 functions to guide bubble solution downwardlytowards the loops 82, 84 so as to further concentrate the bubblesolution at the loops 82, 84. The opposing (i.e., second) end of theshaft 98 has a support section 88 that includes a shoulder 90, a lining92, an enlarged gripping handle 94, and the extension 80. Specifically,the shoulder 90 is generally triangular and is provided adjacent thesecond end of the shaft 98. The lining 92 is provided above the shoulder90 and functions like a gasket to prevent the liquid stored in theinterior chamber 24 from passing therethrough. In the embodiment of FIG.9A, the shoulder 90 and lining 92 can have a generally ovalcross-sectional configuration. The lining 92 can be made from rubber,plastic and certain fabrics. The extension 80 is provided above thelining 92, and can be provided in a generally Figure-8 configuration andextends radially outwardly. The handle 94 can be a thin plate that ispositioned above the extension 80, and has an angled lower edge 96adjacent the extension 80.

[0044] Although the bubble producing toy 50 is illustrated as beinginserted through the opening 42 to act as a stopper, other stoppers canalso be used to seal the opening 42. For example, the stopper can havethe same configuration as the bubble producing toy 50 (i.e., includingthe shaft 98, the shoulder 90, the lining 92, the enlarged grippinghandle 94, and the extension 80), but with the loops 82, 84 omitted.With the loops 82, 84 omitted, the shaft 98 can be provided as a hollowtube with the lower end opened, so that the stopper can then be used asa bulb or syringe for drawing medicine stored in the container 20.

[0045]FIG. 9B illustrates modifications that can be made to the stopper50 of FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the stopper 50 a is the same as the stopper50, except that the shoulder 90 a and the lining 92 a also have aFigure-8 configuration. Thus, depending on the actual cross-sectionalconfiguration of the tube 70, either stopper 50 or 50 a can be used tooptimize the convenience to the user (of inserting and removing thestopper) and to prevent spillage of the liquid. For example, the stopper50 a having a Figure-8 extension 80 a and a Figure-8 lining 92 a wouldbe more effective in sealing the entire tube 70 in FIGS. 1-8 since theentire tube 70 has a Figure-8 cross-sectional configuration.

[0046]FIG. 9C illustrates further modifications that can be made to thestopper 50 of FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9C, the stopper 50 b is the same as thestopper 50, except that the extension 80 b, the shoulder 90 b and thelining 92 b have a circular configuration.

[0047] In operation, the lower body 22 and upper body 26 are providedseparately. Any liquid (e.g., bubble solution) can be filled into theinterior chamber 24, and then the upper body 26 connected to the lowerbody 22 by engaging the threads 34 and 38 of the flared rims 32 and 36,respectively. The lid 52 is now pivoted to the opened position shown inFIG. 2. The wand 50 is then inserted through the opening 42 so that theloops 82, 84 and a lower portion of the shaft 98 extend through the tube70 and into the interior chamber 24 of the lower body 22, with theshoulder 90 and the lining 92 retained inside the lower section 76 ofthe tube 70 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Preferably, the lining 92 will have thesame configuration as the cross-section of the lower section 76 of thetube 70 (e.g., both the lining 92 and the lower section 76 are Figure-8,or both are oval, for example). At this time, the extension 80 willengage the ledge surface 78, which acts as a stop surface to prevent thewand 50 from being inserted any further into the opening 42. A portionof the handle 94 is retained inside the upper section 74 of the tube 70(see FIGS. 2-4). At this time, the provision of the lining 92 inside thetube 70, coupled with the extension 80 engaging and covering the ledgesurface 78, will prevent the liquid inside the container 20 from beingleaked or spilled via the tube 70 and the opening 42. The lid 52 can nowbe pivoted to its closed position shown in FIG. 1, with the rounded topwall 58 covering the wand 50, and more particularly, engaging the topedge 100 of the handle 94 to keep the support section 88 securelypositioned over the opening 42 as a further safeguard against leakagethrough the opening 42.

[0048] Where the tube 70 is provided with a changing cross-sectionalconfiguration (e.g., from oval to Figure-8), the oval portion of thetube 70 will facilitate easier insertion of the loops 82, 84 and shaft98, while the Figure-8 portion will provide a more secure (e.g., narrow)fit of the stopper 50 inside the tube 70 to minimize the possibility ofthe stopper 50 coming loose. This feature further minimizes spillage orleakage of liquid stored inside the container 20.

[0049] To access the liquid stored inside the container 20, the usermerely flips (i.e., pivots) open the lid 52 to the opened position shownin FIG. 2 by pushing on any bump 56. The user then grips the handle 94,and lifts the wand 50. If the liquid is a bubble solution, then the usercan insert the wand 50 back through the opening 42 to access more of thebubble solution to create more bubbles. If the liquid is a medicine, theuser can insert the medicine stopper 50 back through the opening 42 toaccess more of the medicine.

[0050] FIGS. 10-16 illustrate another embodiment of a non-spillcontainer 120 according to the present invention. The container 120 hasa lower body 122 defining an interior chamber 124, and an upper body 126that is removably connected to the lower body 122. The lower body 122can have essentially the same structure as the lower body 22 describedabove, having a bottom wall 128, and an open mouth defined by an upperannular flared rim 132 that is provided at the top 130 of the lower body122. The upper annular flared rim 132 has external threads 134.

[0051] The upper body 126 is also generally cylindrical with an invertedcup-like configuration, and has a lower annular flared rim 136 that hasinternal threads 138.

[0052] The lower flared rim 136 has a slightly larger diameter than theupper flared rim 132 so that the lower flared rim 132 of the lower body122 can be received inside the upper flared rim 136 of the upper body126. The top of the upper body 126 has a slightly curved or convexsurface 148 that defines a top wall 140. A generally circular firstrecess 137 extends from the top surface 148, and as best shown in FIGS.1115, a second recess 144 extends from the first recess 137 at alocation that is offset from the center of the upper body 126 (see FIG.13). The second recess 144 has a surrounding curved wall that defines agenerally Figure-8 configuration. The top opening that leads into thesecond recess 144 can also have a generally Figure-8 configuration. Anelongate opening 142 is provided at the bottom surface 178 of the secondrecess 144, and is also offset from the center of the upper body 126.The elongate opening 142 is adapted to receive a stopper, which can beany of the stoppers 50, 50 a, 50 b described above. The elongate opening142 can also have a Figure-8 configuration. A pin slot 146 is providedin the surface of the first recess 137.

[0053] A lid 152 is pivotably secured to the upper body 126. The lid 152can be provided with a generally circular configuration that is adaptedto correspond to the configuration of the first recess 137, so that thelid 152 can be fitted inside the first recess 137 to provide astreamlined and flush top surface for the top of the upper body 126 whenthe lid 152 is closed. The lid 152 is positioned above the second recess144 to cover the elongate opening 142 (and its stopper, if inserted).The lid 152 has a top plate 154 with a protrusion 158 extending from theunderside of the top plate 154. The protrusion 158 is configured withthe same configuration as the second recess 144, but slightly smallerthan the inner configuration of the second recess 144, so as to allowthe lid 152 to be snugly secured to the second recess 144. A raised bump156 can be provided on top of the lid 152 to facilitate gripping orpushing action by the user. A pin 159 is provided on the underside ofthe top plate 154 adjacent to the protrusion 158 near an end 161 of thelid 152.

[0054] The opposing end 160 of the lid 152 is pivotably connected (e.g.,by a pivot pin 162) to a lateral side of the upper body 126 adjacent thetop thereof. This pivoting connection allows the lid 152 to pivot aboutthe pivot pin 162 from a completely closed position, shown in FIG. 10,in which the lid 152 completely encloses the second recess 144 and thestopper 50, 50 a or 50 b, to a completely opened position, shown in FIG.11, in which the lid 152 is flipped open to expose the stopper 50, 50 aor 50 b. When the lid 152 is closed, the pin 159 is seated in the pinslot 146, and with the protrusion 158 snugly fitted inside the secondrecess 144, will together function to secure the lid 152 to the top ofthe upper body 126.

[0055] A tube or funnel 170 extends from the opening 142 in the secondrecess 144 into the interior of the upper body 26. The tube 170functions as a guide for the stopper 50. The tube 170 can have agenerally Figure-8 cross-sectional configuration. Even though the tube170 is illustrated as being generally Figure-8 in cross-section, it ispossible to provide the tube 170 in any desired configuration. Forexample, the cross-sectional configuration of the tube 170 can beFigure-8 throughout the length of the tube 170 (as shown in FIGS. 11 and14). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, the cross-sectionalconfiguration of the tube 170 can change, such as from a generally ovalcross-section at the top (see 170 a) adjacent the opening 42, and thengradually transition into a Figure-8 cross-section (see 170 b) as thetube 170 extends into the interior of the container 120. The tube 170can extend for any desired length into the interior of the container120. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tube 170 can extendfor a length that is about the same as the length of the upper body 126,so that the lowermost end 172 of the tube 170 extends to the regionwhere the rims 132 and 136 are located. Alternatively, the tube 170 canextend for a length that is less than the length of the upper body 126,or for a length that is greater than the length of the upper body 126 sothat the lowermost end 172 is positioned inside the interior chamber 124of the lower body 122.

[0056] The lower body 122 and the upper body 126 can be made from thesame material, or from different materials. Possible materials for thelower body 122 and the upper body 126 can include plastic, acrylic,metal, glass or certain fabrics. The tube 170 and lid 152 can be moldedor provided in one piece together with the upper body 126.

[0057]FIG. 18 illustrates a possible modification to the container 120.In FIG. 18, the second recess 144 a can be provided in a circularconfiguration (as opposed to the Figure-8 configuration of the secondrecess 144 in FIGS. 11 and 14). As a result, the protrusion 158 aassumes a similar circular configuration to provide a snug fit with thesecond recess 144 a when the lid 152 a is closed.

[0058] In operation, the lower body 122 and upper body 126 are providedseparately. Any liquid (e.g., bubble solution) can be filled into theinterior chamber 124, and then the upper body 126 connected to the lowerbody 122 by engaging the threads 134 and 138 of the flared rims 132 and136, respectively. The lid 152 is now pivoted to the opened positionshown in FIG. 11. The wand 50 (which can be any of the stoppers 50 a, 50b, 50 c illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C) is then inserted through the opening142 so that the loops 82, 84 and a lower portion of the shaft 98 extendthrough the tube 170 and into the interior chamber 124 of the lower body122, with the shoulder 90 and the lining 92 retained inside the tube 170(see FIGS. 12 and 13). At this time, the extension 80 will engage thebottom surface 178 of the second recess 144, which acts as a stopsurface to prevent the wand 50 from being inserted any further into theopening 142. The handle 94 is retained inside the second recess 144. Atthis time, the provision of the lining 92 inside the tube 170, coupledwith the extension 80 engaging and covering the bottom surface 178, willprevent the liquid inside the container 120 from being leaked or spilledvia the tube 170 and the opening 142. The lid 152 can now be pivoted toits closed position shown in FIG. 10, with the top plate 154 seatedinside the first recess 137, and the pin 159 received inside the pinslot 146, so as to form a smooth and flush top surface for the upperbody 126. The top plate 154 covers the wand 50, and more particularly,engages the top edge 100 of the handle 94 to keep the support section 88securely positioned over the opening 142 as a further safeguard againstleakage through the opening 142.

[0059] Where the tube 170 is provided with a changing cross-sectionalconfiguration (e.g., from oval to Figure-8), the oval portion of thetube 170 will facilitate easier insertion of the loops 82, 84 and shaft98, while the Figure-8 portion will provide a more secure fit of thestopper 50 inside the tube 170 to minimize the possibility of thestopper 50 coming loose. This feature further minimizes spillage orleakage of liquid stored inside the container 120.

[0060] To access the liquid stored inside the container 120, the usermerely flips (i.e., pivots) open the lid 152 to the opened positionshown in FIG. 11 by pushing on the bump 156. The user then grips thehandle 94, and lifts the wand 50. If the liquid is a bubble solution,then the user can insert the wand 50 back through the opening 142 toaccess more of the bubble solution to create more bubbles. If the liquidis a medicine, the user can insert the medicine stopper 50 back throughthe opening 142 to access more of the medicine.

[0061] Although the present invention has been described in connectionwith the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that modifications can be made and alternatives utilizedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container, comprising: a cup-like lower bodythat receives liquid therein and having a bottom wall and an open uppermouth; an inverted cup-like upper body having a top wall and an openlower mouth, the top wall having a generally V-shaped configuration,with an opening extending across the top wall, the upper body beingremovably connected to the lower body with the open mouths thereof incommunication with each other to form an interior chamber; and a lidpivotably coupled to the top wall and covering the opening.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1 , further including a tube extending from theopening into the interior chamber.
 3. The container of claim 1 , whereinthe lid pivots between a closed position with the lid covering theopening, and an opened position with the opening exposed.
 4. Thecontainer of claim 1 , wherein the lid has two side walls that arepivotably coupled to the top wall, and a rounded top wall that connectsthe two side walls.
 5. The container of claim 3 , wherein the lid has aninner channel, and the top wall further includes a ridge providedthereon and received inside the inner channel when the lid is in theclosed position.
 6. The container of claim 2 , wherein the tube has aFigure-8 cross-section throughout its length.
 7. The container of claim2 , wherein the tube has an upper portion and a lower portion, andwherein the upper portion has an oval cross-section and the lowerportion has a Figure-8 cross-section.
 8. A container, comprising: acup-like lower body that receives liquid therein and having a bottomwall and an open upper mouth; an inverted cup-like upper body having atop wall and an open lower mouth, the top wall having a recess, and anopening provided in the recess, the upper body being removably connectedto the lower body with the open mouths thereof in communication witheach other to form an interior chamber; and a lid pivotably coupled tothe top wall and covering the opening.
 9. The container of claim 8 ,further including a tube extending from the opening into the interiorchamber.
 10. The container of claim 8 , wherein the lid pivots between aclosed position with the lid covering the opening, and an openedposition with the opening exposed.
 11. The container of claim 8 ,wherein the lid has a top plate with an underside, and a protrusionextending from the underside of the top plate, the protrusion having thesame configuration as the recess to be fitted inside the recess.
 12. Thecontainer of claim 10 , wherein the lid has a pin extending from theunderside thereof, and the top wall further includes a pin slot providedthereon and receiving the pin therein when the lid is in the closedposition.
 13. The container of claim 8 , wherein the recess is a secondrecess, and wherein the top wall further includes a first recess, withthe second recess extending from the first recess, and with the firstrecess having the same configuration as the lid to receive the lid. 14.The container of claim 9 , wherein the tube has a Figure-8 cross-sectionthroughout its length.
 15. The container of claim 9 , wherein the tubehas an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portionhas an oval cross-section and the lower portion has a Figure-8cross-section.
 16. The container of claim 8 , wherein the recess has aFigure-8 configuration.
 17. The container of claim 8 , wherein therecess has a circular configuration.
 18. A bubble wand, comprising: ashaft having a first end and a second end; two loops provided at thefirst end of the shaft, each loop having a plurality of ridges providedthereon; and a handle coupled to the second end of the shaft.
 19. Thewand of claim 18 , further including a support section coupled betweenthe second end of the shaft and the handle, the support section havingan extension and a lining.
 20. The wand of claim 19 , wherein theextension has a Figure-8 configuration.
 21. The wand of claim 19 ,wherein the lining has a Figure-8 configuration.
 22. The wand of claim18 , wherein the shaft has a groove provided therein.
 23. The wand ofclaim 19 , wherein the extension has an oval configuration.
 24. The wandof claim 19 , wherein the lining has an oval configuration.
 25. A funnelfor use in a container, comprising a tubular section having a Figure-8cross-section extending throughout its length.
 26. A funnel for use in acontainer, comprising: a tubular section having an upper portion and alower portion, with the upper portion having an oval cross-section andthe lower portion having a Figure-8 cross-section.